The algorithm works in mysterious, annoying ways.

Man, "completely fell apart" is the perfect way to put it. I was totally on the compostable bag train for a while, thinking I was doing the right thing. Then I had a bag split right down the side with wet coffee grounds, and that was it for me. What @corah75 said about the green store brand ones is exactly right, they just work for the messy kitchen trash. I feel like the fancy bags are made for dry leaves, not real life kitchen mess.

Totally get the soap soak idea. I've used a citrus-based degreaser on a rag with decent results, it cuts the sap without being too harsh. Sometimes the old boss really does know best though.

Honestly, is a label maker that big a deal? I just use a sharpie on some tape. Works fine for me.